54 



THE NAVY OCEANOGRAPHIC OPERATIONS PROGRAM 



been based on this information. At present, the data mentioned 

 above are being compiled and charted on a world-wide basis giving 

 representative foulers and their predicted concentrations. The 

 fouling data are also being reduced to a common system for 

 world-wide interpretation. 



In connection with the studies on radioisotopic and stable trace 

 element distributions in the marine environment, studies are being 

 conducted on the mutual relationship between the organisms 

 collected and their environment. 



ICE 



Sea ice data collection a few years ago was limited primarily 

 to reports from shore stations and ships conducting research 

 and resupply operations. This approach, of course, resulted in 

 only a few sea ice observations for relatively few locations. In 

 order to develop a synoptic observational capability in areas of 

 concern, the Naval Oceanographic Office implemented an aerial 

 ice observing program in the early 1950's. This program is now 



, ■^.. ' V 



Ice and waves hinder submarine operations in subarctic waters. 



